World Health Day, April 7, 2001, focuses on an undervalued and often misunderstood aspect of our health -- our mental health. The World Health Organization and its partners in public health are taking steps to change this perception.
Recent scientific and medical research demonstrates that mental health is a foundation for good health -- physical and mental health are inseparable. However, most of us -- governments, public-health practitioners and citizens alike -- devote less attention and consequently fewer resources to mental health.
One out of five individuals will develop a common mental disorder such as depression or anxiety every year. Two out of every 100 people in our community will develop schizophrenia or manic depression (bipolar disorder) in their lifetime. Two to three percent of all families have a family member affected by intellectual disability. Other families will feel the impact of a loved one living with dementia or epilepsy.